The next stages of the plan proceeded smoothly.
The team hiding outside the palace quietly took up their positions, while the four inside focused on preparing their performances.
Time flew, and before they knew it, the day Thorn had chosen for the Harem's talent show arrived.
Gentle afternoon sunlight spilled over the newly built outdoor stage, which had been tidied into an elegant setting. Flowering branches adorned its surroundings, and the evening breeze carried a faint floral fragrance.
All the palace attendants and women of the Harem gathered below the stage, sitting in orderly rows amid a lively atmosphere.
Kirisa remained at the front throughout, checking the performance order and keeping the entire show running smoothly.
Li Xiang had checked the lineup beforehand. Luckily, her turn fell right in the middle.
That was just the right spot.
The show officially began, with most of the early performers being women selected from the Harem.
Their performances were largely alike: little songs and melodies with lyrics that followed familiar conventions. They were hardly dazzling, but they were pleasant to hear and watch.
One performance after another ended, and soon it was Lillian's turn.
Every movement of hers possessed a classical grace. She turned a simple, lyrical melody into something gentle and soothing, easing everyone's hearts as scattered applause rippled through the audience.
After Lillian calmly left the stage, Kohaku went up next.
Once she took her place onstage, her demeanor changed abruptly, shedding her usual sharpness.
Her plain dress stirred in the breeze. As soft music began, she moved as lightly as a butterfly, her dance graceful and lively.
Though the dance was gentle and delicate, her eyes held that blend of strength and softness unique to her.
Everyone below watched in fascination, their gazes fixed on the center of the stage.